Making Sense of the Bible: Literary Type As an Approach to Understanding
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No book in the Western world has evoked more diverse interpretations than the Bible. One reason for this multiplicity of interpretation is the vast historical gap lying between the writing of the Scriptures and our own time. Can ordinary persons today really make sense of this body of ancient literature? In Making Sense of the Bible Marshall Johnson gives readers the tools needed to better understand Scripture by teaching them to recognize and handle the diverse kinds of literature that make up the Bible. Focusing on the eight major literary forms in the Bible -- wisdom literature, liturgical materials, quasi-historical material, prophetic writings, collections of laws and precepts, apocalyptic literature, letters, and Gospels -- Johnson describes each form's central features and gives readers a sense of what to expect from each literary form and how to approach it. In addition, helpful appendixes discuss the forms of ancient Hebrew poetry, highlight the major literary types in biblical books, and provide suggestions for further reading. For inquisitive laypeople or students in search of the original meaning of the Bible, this book provides a thoughtful, concise, and nonsectarian introduction.Library JournalFor the most part, literary typology as an instrument of interpretation has been the province of academics. In this brief volume, Johnson shows remarkable success in broadening that use to a wide, nonacademic audience. The author's approach, as suits his project, is not a book-by-book exposition of the Bible but a more synoptic discussion of groups of books by type, e.g., history or prophecy. Thus, Daniel and the Revelation to John appear together, as do Chronicles and Acts. This eminently sensible and attractively written book deserves a broad audience. Highly recommended. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Acknowledgmentsix1.Introduction: What Are You Reading?12.Morals, Manners, and the Good Life: Wisdom Literature93.Praise, Lament, and Thanksgiving: Poetry of Worship264.The Appeal to the Past: Historical and Quasi-Historical Narratives345.Justice, Judgment, and the Fate of Nations: Prophetic Literature546.Regulating Life: Legal Collections667.The Appeal to the Future: Apocalyptic Literature738.I Want You to Know: Letters809.Redemptive Persuasion: The Gospels9210.Conclusion: Making Sense of the Bible141Appendix AForms of Ancient Hebrew Poetry144Appendix BMajor Literary Types and Selected Biblical References149Suggestions for Further Reading151Maps156Index160
